SENATE — NOTICE — OF PUBLIC HEARING

SENATE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMITTEE:     Local Government 

TIME & DATE:   9:00 AM, Wednesday, September 2, 2026 

PLACE:         E1.016 (Hearing Room) 
CHAIR:         Senator Paul Bettencourt 

The Senate Committee on Local Government will meet Wednesday, September 2nd, at 9:00 A.M.to hear invited testimony on the following interim charges:

1. Removing Barriers to Housing Affordability: Report on the implementation of Senate Bill 15, Senate Bill 840, and Senate Bill 2477, 89th Legislature, and Senate Bill 2038, 88th Legislature. Make recommendations to strengthen property rights as the cornerstone of Texas housing affordability.

2. Holding Local Government Fees Accountable: Examine the collection,use, and oversight of fees imposed by local governments, including but not limited to utility connection charges, permit and inspection fees, and drainage or stormwater improvement fees. Evaluate whether these fees are subject to adequate financial transparency requirements and whether independent audits should be required. Make necessary recommendations to enhance accountability and ensure fee revenues are used solely for their intended public purposes.

If submitting written testimony, please provide 20 copies to the committee clerk with your name and/or the name of your organization on each copy and email a digital copy to the committee at ross.leake_sc@senate.texas.gov. 

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO PLAN TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND WHO MAY NEED ASSISTANCE, SUCH AS A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER OR PERSONAL ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES, ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SENATE COMMITTEE COORDINATOR AT 512/463-0070, 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING SO APPROPRIATE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.